KEEP AN EYE ON PROGRESS TO A NEW FARM BILL

Apr 06, 2012  |  Today's News

It’s too bad that some members of Congress aren’t as eager to make progress on the 2012 Farm Bill as you are to make progress with the 2012 Planting Season. That’s why it may be very important in the coming weeks for you to call in from the tractor or sprayer to let your voice be heard. Keep an eye on these daily communications and we’ll keep you in the loop. In the meantime, here’s a rundown of the latest information regarding the 2012 Farm Bill.

These news-bytes are sourced from the Farm Policy Newsletter which is a free, subscription based daily email.

  • Yesterday, Denise A. Raymo reported at the Press Republican Online (Plattsburgh, NY) that, “A federal Farm Bill is not expected to pass this year because of the November election and typical pace of government in Washington, D.C., Congressman Bill Owens told farmers. The article pointed out that, “Owens [a member of the House Agriculture Committee] said both House Ag Committee Chair Frank Lucas and Senate Ag Committee Chair [Debbie Stabenow] have worked hard to bring the Farm Bill in as a logical spending plan, but it likely won’t go anywhere this year.
  • Erin Billups reported earlier this week at YNN (Syracuse, NY) Online (video included) that, “The House and Senate Agriculture Committees hope to pass a five year spending plan this year, but given the focus on deficit reduction and election year politics, it will be a heavy lift.”

Here are links to testimony from Illinois farmers that spoke recently to members of the House Agriculture Committee on the importance of having a 2012 Farm Bill this year.